‘Essential commodity prices remain stable after budget’

State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad on Saturday said the prices of essential commodities have remained stable following the passage of the national budget, describing it as a reflection of the policies of the government led by Tarique Rahman.

“Whenever a budget was passed in the past, the prices of daily necessities would increase.

This time, however, the prices of 61 essential commodities have remained unchanged. Not a single item has become more expensive.

This is Tarique Rahman’s government. This is the BNP government,” the minister said.

He made the remarks while addressing a prayer meeting held in memory of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.

The programme also featured the distribution of bicycles, sewing machines, sarees and blood pressure (BP) monitors among underprivileged meritorious students, poor and destitute people, and community health workers.

The event was organised by the Panchagarh District Council on Saturday afternoon in front of its office.

District Council Administrator Mohammad Touhidul Islam chaired the programme.

Urging officials to ensure fairness in distributing government assistance, Azad said beneficiaries should be selected based on need rather than political affiliation.

“We should not consider anyone’s political identity while providing assistance.

Those who genuinely deserve support should receive it irrespective of party affiliation,” he said, adding that officials should resist pressure from relatives or other interested groups.

The minister also said elected representatives must serve all citizens equally.

Highlighting what he described as the government’s commitment to austerity, Azad claimed the current administration had significantly reduced official expenditure on meals.

“The previous head of government spent Tk 950 on lunch, whereas under the current administration lunch costs Tk 150.

Everyone in the office, including ministers, has the same meal. If Tarique Rahman can change his lifestyle, we can all do the same,” he said, calling on citizens to work together for the country’s development.

Among those present were Deputy Commissioner Shukriya Parvin, Police Super Abu Saim, Civil Surgeon Dr Mizanur Rahman, District Council Chief Executive Anjan Kumar, Panchagarh District BNP Convener Zahirul Islam Kachchu, local leaders and beneficiaries.

During the programme, the District Council distributed 77 sewing machines to disadvantaged women, 117 bicycles to students, 111 blood pressure monitors to community clinics, and sarees among beneficiaries.